Lemon Chicken Orzo Spinach (Print Version)

Tender chicken and orzo meld with spinach and lemon for a bright, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

→ Pantry

07 - 1 cup orzo pasta
08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Flavorings

10 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
15 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
03 - Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf and dried oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
05 - Stir in orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes, until spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and extra lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: Only 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking—on the table in 45 minutes.
  • Bright and zesty: Fresh lemon zest and juice give every spoonful a vibrant, uplifting finish.
  • Wholesome and dairy-free: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and wholesome orzo—no dairy needed.
  • Flexible: Easily swap orzo for rice or small pasta, or use rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
  • Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavours that appeal to all ages while still feeling sophisticated enough for guests.
02 -
  • Creamier texture: Whisk 1 egg yolk with a little hot broth, then stir it into the soup off the heat for a silkier, richer finish.
  • Shortcut option: Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—simply add it at the same time as the spinach.
  • Pasta alternatives: Orzo can be replaced with rice or other small pasta shapes such as ditalini with equally delicious results.
  • Allergen awareness: The soup contains wheat (orzo pasta) and may contain traces of celery and eggs if the optional egg yolk is used. Always check labels on store-bought broth and packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.
  • Nutritional note (per serving): Approximately 320 kcal, 8 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.
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